CAPS LOCK – How capitalism took hold of graphic design, and how to escape from it

Capitalism could not exist without the coins, banknotes, documents, information graphics, interfaces, branding, and advertisements made by graphic designers. Even anti-consumerist strategies such as social design and speculative design are appropriated to serve economic growth. It seems design is locked in a cycle of exploitation and extraction, furthering inequality and environmental collapse.
CAPS LOCK uses clear language and visual examples to show how graphic design and capitalism are inextricably linked. The book features designed objects, and also examines how the study, work, and professional practice of designers supports the market economy. Six radical design cooperatives are featured that resist capitalist thinking in their own way, hoping to inspire a more socially aware graphic design.
Ruben Pater (b. 1977, NL) is trained as a graphic designer. For a decade he worked in graphic design and advertising studios. Afterwards he decided to start his own practice. Informed by his experience, Untold Stories produces critical work between graphic design, journalism, and activism. He is tutor at the BA Graphic Design and the MA Non Linear Narrative of the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague. His first book The Politics of Design (BIS publishers, 2016) has been an inspirational source book for design students, tutors, and visual communicators worldwide.
Juni 2021, Valiz